Dr Steve Jefferies AM and Dr Marisa Collins have been appointed to the BCG Research Committee. BCG Senior Manager of Research Dr Yolanda Plowman said attracting high calibre experts is affirming for the organisation: “BCG’s Research Committee ensures our research is scientifically rigorous and has a focus on the next advancement in cropping and mixed farming. Dr Jefferies and Dr Collins’ experience, innovation and broad connections will further strengthen an already exceptional group of forward-thinking scientific leaders. Both will bolster our efforts to reach the goals in BCG’s strategic plan which aim to improve the prosperity of Australian broadacre farmers.”
Dr Jefferies
Dr Jefferies is not new to BCG, having served as an invited guest on the research committee since January 2021 and serving as a non-executive director of the organisation including BCG Finance and Audit Committee Chair.
“I wish to give back to the industry, actively working with farmers for farmers at a grass roots level. This is exactly what BCG does and their impact is far reaching, making the organisation a perfect fit for me,” Dr Jefferies said.
Dr Jefferies’ work with BCG is just one of the many ways he has influenced the grains industry’s trajectory over the past 40 years. Holding a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD), Dr Jefferies’ passion for growth and development has seen him awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for services to primary industries, elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, awarded a Doctorate of Science (for eminence in his field) and the Harold Woolhouse Award for most outstanding PhD thesis in the University of Adelaide’s School of Agriculture Food and Wine. His services to primary industries are vast and include his roles as Director Jefferies Ag Solutions (current), Managing Director Grains Research and Development Corporation and CEO of Australian Grain Technologies Pty Ltd. Dr Jefferies is also currently the acting Chair of the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicine Authority and the Chair of Rice Breeding Australia Pty Ltd.
Associate Professor Marisa Collins
Associate Professor Marisa Collins brings a wealth of knowledge to BCG. Currently the Bachelor of Agriculture Course Coordinator and at La Trobe University, Dr Collins has a Doctorate in Agriculture (PhD) from the University of Melbourne, was a postdoctoral fellow at the CSIRO’s Plant Industry Waite campus, agronomic research scientist at CSIRO Griffith and senior lecturer in agronomy at the University of Queensland/QAAFI.
A respected author of scientific literature, Dr Collins has contributed to practice change in the areas of agronomy and crop research encompassing horticultural (wine grapes and lavender) to broadacre crops (legumes, rice, cotton and wheat), crop productivity and physiology as well as her commitment to the next generation of agricultural scientists with Dr Collins driving course redevelopments and new teaching initiatives.
“Having originally grown up in Sea Lake, I hope to be able to give back to Mallee farming communities. BCG is renowned for working across the agriculture industry to create lasting change, so it was a natural choice to become a member of the BCG Research Committee. I hope to continue working with farmers to build on the successes the organisation has achieved over the past 30 years,” Dr Collins said.
BCG CEO Ms Fiona Best said the appointments were in sync with the organisation’s goals: “BCG recognises more can be achieved by working together. We have strong ties and mutually beneficial collaboration with farmers, research agencies, universities, the philanthropic sector and agribusiness at a local and national level. Our research is designed to provide farmers with information and resources to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of their farm businesses. The appointment of Dr Jefferies and Dr Collins builds on these strong foundations and values and we look forward to delivering more on-farm and community benefits working with these great minds.”
